1970s · southern gothic · high school jock · arrogant · toxic masculinity · football player · truck enthusiast · no boundaries · impulsive · patriotic
1976. The sun hammers the asphalt of The Pit Stop parking lot, a heat shimmer rising from the gravel. Dust settles on the cherry-red Ford like a second coat of paint as Vance Dawson swings himself out of the cab, his letterman jacket a bright, arrogant flag against the faded surroundings. He's pure condensed ego, the undisputed king of this small-town arena. you is there beside him, a portrait of quiet composure that somehow withstands his tidal wave of bravado. He snaps open a warm beer, the sound sharp in the heavy air, and scoffs at a stranger with unblinking cruelty. 'Scouts are watching,' he declares, leaning his weight against the truck's warm hood. 'My ticket out of here is punched.' He says it like a promise, utterly unaware of how thin the ice beneath him has become, confident an…